Tag Archive for: Country Grammer

Dettori turns to Country Grammer for fairytale farewell to Dubai

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As he prepares for his final Dubai World Cup ride on the 2022 winner Country Grammer, the magnitude of the occasion this weekend will not be lost on Frankie Dettori.

With so many special Dubai moments adorning his glittering record, the Italian will be seeking a fifth triumph in the $12million spectacular aboard a horse he says “is all heart and will run to the end”.

Dettori’s first World Cup victory came aboard Dubai Millennium in the 2000 renewal, adding further successes with Moon Ballad (2003) and Electrocutionist (2006) at the race’s original venue of Nad Al Sheba before it moved to Meydan in 2010.

Having enjoyed a long association with Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation, Dettori has seen the race’s growth in stature first hand and ranks his inaugural winner as the best he has partnered.

Dubai Millennium was Dettori's first World Cup winner
Dubai Millennium was Dettori’s first World Cup winner (Martyn Hayhow/PA)

He said: “I worked for Godolphin for 18 years and spent many months with my wife and with my kids here as they were growing up.

“I’ve seen it develop from Cigar at the first World Cup at Nad Al Sheba to this impressive course with its fantastic grandstand that Sheikh Mohammed created.

“Dubai Millennium is the best horse I’ve ridden. Now I’m not riding for Godolphin, but there are so many great memories.”

Dettori teams up with the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer for a second successive year, having come in for the winning ride when Flavien Prat opted to partner eventual runner-up Hot Rod Charlie 12 months ago.

Despite suffering from jet lag, Dettori rode the horse in work at 4am in midweek and is full of hope of a title defence despite a high draw in stall 14, with only habitual front-runner Panthalassa on his outside.

Country Grammer was beaten three-quarters of a length by that Japanese-trained contender on his latest start in the Saudi Cup, but the extra furlong here is a factor in his favour.

Dettori said: “Last year we thought Life Is Good was unbeatable, but at the four (hundred metre) pole he collapsed.

“This time it won’t be easy from the 14 draw and it is a competitive race, but one thing for sure is that Country Grammer is all heart and I know he will run to the end. I can’t say a bad word about this horse because he’s all guts.”

Country Grammer has shown a tendency to hit a flat spot and get outpaced midway through his races, and Dettori added: “In the San Antonio he got outpaced, but he doesn’t know how to give up.

“Right now, I’m just thinking about getting the job done on him.”

Dettori produced a brilliant ride aboard Trawlerman at York last year
Dettori produced a brilliant ride aboard Trawlerman at York last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

Dettori also rides for Baffert aboard Worcester in the UAE Derby and Hopkins in the Golden Shaheen, while Caspar Fownes’ Senor Toba is his mount in the 12-furlong Sheema Classic and Raaed, trained in Saudi Arabia, is his Al Quoz Sprint hope.

His old ally John Gosden – now training in partnership with son Thady – has two challengers, with Lord North bidding for a third Dubai Turf verdict and Ebor winner Trawlerman, who benefitted from an excellent Dettori ride in winning at York last year, going for glory in the Dubai Gold Cup after finishing down the field in Riyadh last month.

The rider said: “I expect Trawlerman to improve from his last run, then there are Bob Baffert’s three on the dirt which is their bread and butter.

“I rode Lord North on the training track on Thursday morning and he’s in good form ahead of the Turf. I’ve also picked up a ride for Caspar Fownes in the Sheema Classic.”

Royal Ascot has been a happy hunting ground over the years for Dettori
Royal Ascot has been a happy hunting ground over the years for Dettori (Adam Davy/PA)

Dettori has been plying his trade in America over the winter as the beginning of his farewell tour and expects to return there next week to ride in trials for the Kentucky Derby – although only a “superstar” is likely to prevent him from riding at Newmarket’s Guineas meeting in May.

He explained: “My agent in the States, Ron Anderson, does everything for me, but unless I find a superstar there, I expect I’ll be back in Newmarket to ride Chaldean in the Guineas.

“Then it will be my last Royal Ascot and that will be very emotional, followed by more touring and a return to Newmarket and Ascot in the fall and another Arc.

“After Champions Day, I shall make my way to California and prepare for the Breeders’ Cup. The plan is then to go to Australia or Japan, but I’m keeping all options open and Santa Anita could be (the place for) my last ride.”

Panthalassa holds on to deny Dettori and Country Grammer in Saudi Cup

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Frankie Dettori and Country Grammer just missed out as Panthalassa produced a remarkable front-running performance to strike gold for Japan in the $20million Saudi Cup.

The Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer was narrowly denied in the world’s most valuable race 12 months ago when ridden by Flavien Prat, before providing Dettori with a fourth Dubai World Cup success at Meydan a few weeks later.

Following a readying win in California on Boxing Day, the six-year-old returned to Riyadh as one of two leading contenders for the Baffert team along with multiple Grade One winner Taiba – but Panthalassa set a strong gallop from the off at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse and could not be reeled in.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden by Yutaka Yoshida, Panthalassa dead-heated in last year’s Dubai Turf with Lord North who earlier in the day had landed a far less lucrative Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Such was the pace Panthalassa set, Baffert’s pair were under pressure before the home turn and it briefly looked like it could be a Japanese one-two-three-four with a trio of compatriots chasing Panthalassa up the straight.

But Dettori conjured a storming late rally out of Country Grammer, with the line coming just too soon as he was narrowly denied once again.

Yahagi – who also on the mark with Bathrat Leon in the Turf Sprint – said: “It is unbelievable. I have no words. I am very, very happy. He was in stall one, so I said it was OK to go to the front. I was happy when he went three wide off the rail. The ground was a little bit faster and he needs it fast.

A day never to be forgotten for trainer Yoshito Yahagi
A day never to be forgotten for trainer Yoshito Yahagi (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Mathea Kelley)

“This win is higher than any other I have had – of course it is the best feeling, because the prize-money is the best, too!

“I really can’t believe it at the moment. It does not feel real, but I’d like to say thanks to my staff and the horse.

“Winning this is not easy. Japanese racing tries everything to improve and develop and (make) Japanese horse racing to become more international – and we have done that.”

He added: “I will discuss with my owner and then we will decide if we go to Dubai for the World Cup, which is of course a possibility.

What a finish to the Saudi Cup
What a finish to the Saudi Cup (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Mathea Kelley)

“If my owners let me go to Europe, I would love the challenge. When I started training, no one knew me and when I wore a hat they knew who I was. Today, I wore the same hat I wore at the Breeders’ Cup. I have between 200 and 300 hats. I don’t count. It would be fun if they started a game where they bet on the colour of my hat.”

A jubilant Yoshida said: “He sometimes doesn’t jump well, so I concentrated on giving him a good start and he did it. When he took an early lead the others did not give too much pressure to him. The pace was not too strong for him, it was another factor for him to keep finding until the line.

“I did break well and then it was straightforward. Mr Yahagi said to me to ride my race and I would get a good result. I didn’t think about the surface. I just rode my race and thought if he adapts to the track, it would be all right. Of course, they were coming for me in the straight, but Panthalassa always found another gear and so I kept riding.

“It is an unforgettable moment and I am very happy to have ridden the winner.”

Dettori, meanwhile, is hopeful Country Grammer can repeat his heroics of last year in the Dubai World Cup, with an extra furlong in his favour.

Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup
Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup (Neil Morrice/PA)

He said: “He ran a super race. I was outpaced all the way. I travelled to stay and thought I would be sixth really, then they all died and bless him, he’s got so much heart.

“I stayed on well, but his game is a mile and a quarter and we go back to Dubai.

“I was way back because I couldn’t lay up. I pushed him all the way. It was a super run. Like I said, at the quarter pole, I’m sixth here and thought ‘I’m not going to get any money’.

“In fairness, it was a bit like last year and he was closing all the while.

“It has been a great experience, this meeting. I’m always smiling!”

Dettori looking to ‘solid’ Country Grammer for Saudi Cup glory

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Frankie Dettori has already won one of the world’s most valuable races on Bob Baffert’s Country Grammer and he now has his sights set on another in the Saudi Cup.

The pair combined to land the Dubai World Cup last year, when Dettori replaced Flavien Prat who had steered Country Grammer to second behind shock winner Emblem Road in Riyadh.

Of course this will be Dettori’s last ride in the race, the fourth renewal, as he brings the curtain down on his storied career.

Yet despite all the greats he has ridden in almost 40 years in the saddle, Country Grammer will have earned him more prize-money than any other should he win the first prize of over £8million.

“He is very solid. He never runs a bad race, and touch wood he doesn’t start now. He was second last year, he is tough,” said Dettori.

“He has travelled before, so that’s a plus. He is solid and I’d be foolish to say I’d be confident, but I am very pleased to ride him and you know he will give his best.

“He gave me the same feel (in the mornings) as he did (on Boxing Day at Santa Anita). Bob Baffert and Amr Zedan (owner) skipped the Breeders’ Cup Classic as it would have been a tough task to beat the good horse (Flightline), so he has been basically aimed for these two races, this one and Dubai, so this was always the plan.”

Dettori’s biggest threat arguably comes from within, as Baffert and Zedan also run Taiba, a multiple Grade One winner in the States and the mount of Mike Smith.

“Taiba is also very solid, he has little mileage on the clock. He is a horse I feel is still improving,” said Dettori.

Bob Baffert has two big chances in the Saudi Cup
Bob Baffert has two big chances in the Saudi Cup (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Doug De Felice)

Baffert said of the year younger Taiba: “He just has so much quality. He will do what you want – he can go forward or come from off the pace – I don’t worry about him.

“He’ll fool you, because he’s such a lazy work horse in the mornings and is so laid-back, but when he gets in that gate and the lights turn on – that’s when his light turns on.

“Charlatan (second to Mishriff two years ago) was a brilliant horse with just brilliant speed, but he got into a speed duel with Knicks Go, which cost him the race, but this horse has speed and stamina.

“He is tough to ride and that’s why Mike Smith had to really get him out and get him going last time in the Malibu. Once you put him into the race, he has the stamina, and that’s why, when he missed the break (when third) in the Breeders’ Cup (Classic), it hurt him. He wasn’t going to beat Flightline, but it cost him second.”

He went on: “I think both horses are doing really well. Country Grammer is a horse who always runs his race. Frankie knows him really well and if the horse shows up, he’ll get the job done if Taiba doesn’t. This horse has never been better – he’s a better horse this year, I think – and he likes this track, which is really key.”

One striking thing to have emerged in the short history of the Saudi Cup meeting is the success of the Japanese-trained runners and they are back in force once more.

Six-year-old Cafe Pharoah will be ridden by Brazilian ace Joao Moreira, and his trainer Noriyuki Hori said: “Being realistic, this is probably one of the strongest races on dirt in the world.

“When you offer very high prize-money, it attracts the best horses. However, this horse has impressed me in his track work.

“I know we are challenging good horses, but I have faith in regards to how the horse has run. He is there for me.”

Yoshito Yahagi took Panthalassa to Dubai last year and he dead-heated with Lord North in the Dubai Turf, now he is on dirt.

“The tactics are just one thing – that’s go to the front. Number one gate dictates this,” said Yahagi.

“The track is deep, like a Japanese track. It is deeper than last year. It is not good for Panthalassa.”

Jun Light Bolt may be the best of the Japanese and he will be ridden by Ryan Moore, who teamed up with him for the first time on Friday morning.

“He concentrated on cantering and seems to be in his best condition. He also handled the surface well. I am delighted that connections offered me a ride on a horse with serious chance. I’m looking forward to a big run with him,” said Moore.

Frankie relaxed as farewell tour goes up a significant notch

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Frankie Dettori is saying all the right things. No desert storm over the latest whip rules, no sign of annoyance at the umpteenth question about his retirement.

He is on autopilot in Riyadh. His smile is almost forced. He looks tired, yet somehow leaner as he sits before the waiting press conference ahead of the fourth edition of the Saudi Cup.

Country Grammer will be his partner in the big one. And there are $20million reasons why the latest pit-stop on this long-goodbye tour matters.

The Saudi Cup came calling, of course. They want star power to promote the event and while much of the King Abdulaziz Racecourse still looks like a building site 48 hours before the big race itself, there is no better salesman than Dettori.

On Friday, he will ride in the International Jockeys Challenge – a series of four handicap races, each run for an eye-watering $400,000 – alongside five other international male riders, two locals and seven international female jockeys. All 14 jockeys will ride in each of the dirt and turf races.

“I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow is the appetiser for the big one,” insists Dettori.

“I’ve been coming here for 30 years. I’m part of the furniture and I know most of the trainers and I’m riding with some great jockeys, so I was honoured to be asked.”

The dirt track, which surrounds the lush, green Riyadh turf course, is considered by many riders to be the best in the world.

“Back in the day we used to race at a track in the city centre and this track has been built about 15 years, and it is very much like the footprint of Belmont in New York,” says the Italian, who will make his 11th seasonal appearance in Saudi Arabia, where he has ridden six winners from 72 rides.

King Abdulaziz Racecourse dirt track/Riyadh
Dettori loves the King Abdulaziz Racecourse dirt track (Simon Milham/PA)

“I’d say this is the best dirt track I have ever ridden. It is kinder than other dirt tracks I’ve ridden throughout the world.

“For example, you saw Mishriff, a turf horse, win the Saudi Cup a few years ago, so it does open things up a bit for turf horses and I really enjoy riding here.

“Basically this (event) is getting bigger and bigger. The Saudi Cup has found a good slot in the international racing calendar.

“It just shows you with the kind of (quality) horses we will ride this weekend.”

A couple of months spent in America have appeared to have done him the world of good. The positivity is genuine enough and certainly a far cry from the angst of a public fall-out with John Gosden, whose thinly veiled criticism of the jockey’s work ethic surfaced after a run of bad luck and a smattering of unfortunate rides at Royal Ascot in the summer. Bridges were quickly mended, lessons learned.

Dettori has since been riding out of his magnificently tanned skin, helped by his old friend and ally, trainer Bob Baffert.

Frankie Dettori/Riyadh
Frankie was playing a straight bat at Riyadh (Simon Milham/PA)

His recent stint at Santa Anita has reaped rich rewards and while not exactly fresh from a fabulous four-timer at Santa Anita on Saturday, one gets the feeling that he has surprised himself a touch.

“It has been overwhelming,” Dettori adds. “I didn’t expect to do so well, especially some great rides at Santa Anita and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve been getting all sorts of support from a variety of trainers, so it is going well.”

Dettori announced this will be his last season in the saddle in December. Riyadh was the first place the international media had gathered in numbers to get his thoughts. Taken aback, he ticked the boxes, fielded the same questions he has faced – and will certainly continue to bat back – with the courtesy they demanded.

Prodded by a Japanese correspondent about the decision to retire, Dettori replies: “It is only just sinking in, now that I’m stopping, that I have thought about it.

Dettori is looking to the future, but what that entails appears fluid
Dettori is looking to the future, but what that entails appears fluid (Tim Goode/PA)

“Since I announced my retirement, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the people in and out of racing. That is the bit I will miss.

“I only started off as a young kid with a dream to be a jockey and I think I’ve pretty much succeeded, and the last few months have been a great journey and everyone has been very nice. That’s all I have to say.”

Another prod to expand, produced another straight bat. ”I gave myself a year to give myself a last farewell.

“I’ve been at Santa Anita because I was asked to – I would usually spend my winters in Dubai.

“I will do the European programme and then Ascot should be my last one in England (British Champions Day) and then possibly the Breeders’ Cup will be my last (meeting), or a Melbourne Cup or something else will materialise, but basically this year is my last. I will be 53 in December and I will finish at the top.

“It’s very hard to choose the right moment. My heart wants to carry on , but I want to have another life after this.”

What that constitutes appears to be more than a little fluid or simply unknown.

For now, he states: “I will keep my eye on working in the media side, in racing obviously.

“That is the road I am thinking of taking, possibly doing other things, buying a few horses, being a bloodstock agent, something like that. At the end of the season, I’ll have a couple of months to sit back and look at the whole picture.”

The irony is that in this land of sand and dust, Dettori’s plans for a future after race-riding are not set in concrete. Father Time is knocking, yet what if a special horse should emerge?

America has served him well. A Kentucky Derby is still missing form the Dettori CV.

There will be a temptation for an encore. For now, he will just keep saying all the right things.

Dettori’s mount Grammer handed high draw for Saudi Cup assignment

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Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori will break from stall 10 in an attempt to go one better than last year in the Saudi Cup.

The Bob Baffert-trained six-year-old finished behind shock winner Emblem Road 12 months ago, with that rival drawn in stall eight this time.

Country Grammer went on to win the Dubai World Cup under Dettori and he is back on board having ridden Baffert’s charge to victory on the first day of his current stint in America.

Baffert also runs Taiba, a four-year-old with two Grade Ones to his credit already, who will be in stall two under Mike Smith.

Baffert said: “He (Country Grammer) had the rail last year, it didn’t bother him at all. Frankie Dettori knows the horse really well, I’m lucky to have two Hall of Fame jockeys.

“I think it’s good to have a speed horse inside of him (Taiba). He likes company, to run with another horse to get him into the race.”

Panthalassa, who dead-heated with Lord North in the Dubai Turf last year, breaks from stall one.

Dettori revs up for Saudi Cup with spectacular Santa Anita four-timer

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The Frankie Dettori farewell tour will have plenty of highlights before he finally hands up his boots at the end of the season – but a 251-1 four-timer at Santa Anita will certainly be one of the more memorable ones.

Dettori, who will will team up with last year’s runner-up Country Grammer in the $20million Saudi Cup next weekend, announced his intention to retire from the saddle at the Breeders’ Cup meeting in November this year following a glittering career.

His latest stint in North America has been hugely successful since he partnered the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer to success in the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita on Boxing Day.

The 52-year-old still has plenty of star power and is arguably riding as well has he ever has in the last couple of months.

Dettori started the ball rolling on a super Saturday in California when guiding home Piroli (2-1) for Michael McCarthy to land a mile claimer, before powering Harper’s Gallop (10-11 favourite) to success in the nine-furlong starter allowance for trainer Leonard Powell.

The Italian then steered Teddy’s Barino (9-2) to success for Mark Glatt in the seven-furlong claimer, upsetting the Baffert-trained odds-on shot Adare Manor.

Yet the best was saved until last, with the biggest win of the evening coming aboard Freedom Flyer.

With three late withdrawals in the $100,000 Wishing Well Stakes, there were just six runners for the extended six-furlong contest and the Dettori-partnered 7-1 chance dug deep to fend off joint-favourites Big Summer and Bay Storm to claim the prize.

Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup
Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup (Neil Morrice/PA)

Speaking to TVG, Dettori said of the Powell-trained filly: “I will be honest, with the late scratching, smaller field, I knew I had speed.

“It is a filly that you want to save as much as you can and I wasn’t able to get to the front on my own terms and the last sixteenth of the mile I was basically on my hands and knees, but her heart got her past the line in front, so it was a good effort.

“The hillside course is really exciting. They go fast down that hill, you have to cross over. You have to get everything right and haven’t got much time to think. You can win and lose the race by doing the wrong move at the wrong time, but it is really fun to ride.”

Dettori banking on Country Grammer in Saudi Cup

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Frankie Dettori will look to Country Grammer to go one better than last year and give him a first Saudi Cup victory as his valedictory lap begins in earnest later this month.

Dettori intends to retire at the end of the 2023 campaign and he decided to revisit his youth over the winter months, heading back to America to ride at Santa Anita, the track upon which he honed his craft as a young man.

The decision has allowed him to renew his association with the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer well ahead of his Riyadh assignment, with the pair teaming up to win the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes on Boxing Day – Dettori’s first day at the track.

He said: “It took me by surprise, the first day I came here to ride he was one of my first runners, the pressure was on. Boxing day there were 40,000 people here and he was a big favourite, so of course I wanted the horse to win and he won in style. I was super pleased with him and he still retains all the ability he had last year, it was a good start to the season.

“Bob made it very clear to me that the Saudi Cup was going to be the next target, that’s why he didn’t run in the Pegasus, so touch wood, it’s all systems go at the moment for Saudi.”

Dettori had teamed up with Country Grammer only once previously, when creating a minor surprise in landing the Dubai World Cup last March after finishing second in the Saudi Cup under Flavien Prat.

Country Grammer finished second in each of his three starts after returning to America, most notably being thrashed 19 lengths by Flightline in the Pacific Classic, but Dettori feels that consistency is one of the horse’s strongest traits.

He said: “When I text Bob Baffert after Flightline beat him 19 lengths, I said ‘well that was a good run’ and he said to me that Country Grammer thought he’d won because he never saw Flightline!

Country Grammer (right) looks to go one better than last year's second when taking part in the Saudi Cup once again on February 25
Country Grammer (right) looks to go one better than last year’s second when taking part in the Saudi Cup once again on February 25 (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia / Douglas De Felice)

“In fairness, he’s a super consistent horse, he’s unfazed by anything, he’s solid. He was second last year in the Saudi Cup and won the Dubai World Cup – he had a good season. (Owner) Amr Zedan is from Saudi and that was always the aim, to go back to the Saudi Cup.

“He’s very straightforward, I think the way the season went last year, it just showed that he’s very versatile and can perform in other countries. He’s very solid and I’m very pleased to be able to ride him.

“We still have a couple of weeks left, so I hope the horse ships to Saudi in one piece and when you have a five-year-old, you can be confident that travelling is not going to be an issue. He’s going to bring his A-game and he’s going to be a tough cookie.”

Zedan has another potential challenger to look forward to in Taiba, who won the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Boxing Day and got within nine lengths of Flightline in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with Dettori rating him a major rival.

“Taiba won the Santa Anita Derby, perhaps the Kentucky Derby came too quick for him, but he put in a great comeback run the other day and won. He’s got fresh legs, little mileage on the clock and he’s one of the horses I would fear because he’s got plenty to give,” he added.

“Country Grammer is as good as last year, I would be dreaming to say he is better than when he won the World Cup, that’s an amazing race, but he gave me the same feel as Dubai.”

Dettori expects to have some smart mounts on the undercard with Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Elite Power and the John and Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman on his sheet.

He said: “I have one in the sprint for Bill Mott and Trawlerman in the two-miler and I’m sure something else will develop. The entries haven’t come out yet so I’m sure I’ll pick up another couple of rides.”

Dettori will also take part in the International Jockey Challenge at the Riyadh track, with top Hong Kong pilot Joao Moreira also scheduled to ride as he enjoys his own international farewell tour ahead of retirement.

Frankie Dettori will be competing against Joao Moreira
Frankie Dettori will be competing against Joao Moreira (Julian Herbert/PA)

“The Saudi Cup is established as one of the main events in the calendar and I’m looking forward to that and the jockeys’ challenge,” said Dettori.

“It will be my last chance to ride with some great jockeys from around the world. I’m super excited and it will be lots of fun.”

Dettori has been enjoying winners with regularity in the US and admits he wishes he had undertaken more American adventures over the years.

He said: “I didn’t realise how well things would go this year – the support has been amazing. I came here 30 years ago and I forgot how nice California is and I really enjoyed my riding. It’s been so far so good. Looking back I wish I’d spent a few years here in the winter, but it is what it is.

“It’s ultra-competitive (at Santa Anita) with super riders, so I am enjoying it. When you ride with great riders, it also gets the best out of you.

“I’m not saying I’m riding better (than in recent years), but they don’t give you any free rides so you have to be super sharp and super fit. You’re competing with the best, so it does raise your game.”

Dettori and Country Grammer aiming for Saudi Cup revenge

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Frankie Dettori has the opportunity for big-race glory on his farewell tour when partnering Country Grammer in the Saudi Cup.

Dettori guided the Bob Baffert-trained six-year-old to Dubai World Cup success last year and was reunited with the son of Tonalist at Santa Anita on Boxing Day, where the Italian began the American leg of his swansong by steering Country Grammer to victory in the San Antonio Stakes.

Country Grammer will now attempt to go one better than last year’s half-length second to Emblem Road in the the $20million Riyadh Group One and owner Amr Zedan – a successful Saudi Arabian businessman and breeder – is delighted to have the assistance of the 52-year-old as he attempts to win the world’s most valuable race.

Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup
Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup (Neil Morrice/PA)

“Frankie needs no testimony from me,” said Zedan. “He’s been great for the sport in every way – on the horse, off the horse or flying off the horse.

“His accomplishments speak for themselves. He’s a good friend and he will be missed. I hope he reconsiders his retirement by picking up mounts as he chooses over the coming months.”

Reflecting on Country Grammer’s effort in the contest 12 months ago, Zedan added: “It was my first appearance at the Saudi Cup and Country Grammer was an unknown commodity. He showed great tenacity to finish second and we were very proud of him,”

Zedan will also be represented by another Baffert-trained contender on February 25, with Malibu Stakes victor Taiba also in the running for the nine-furlong event.

Also an emphatic scorer at Santa Anita on Boxing Day, his owner hopes the four-time scorer can make his mark over a trip at which he has tasted top-level success previously in both the Pennsylvania and Santa Anita Derby.

He continued: “We really hoped we had something after he won the Santa Anita Derby in April and we always thought he would be the perfect fit for the race going from his three-year-old to his four-year-old year.

“The Saudi Cup was front and centre, we had to see how the rest of the year played out but with me being from Saudi, it was always a priority.

“He’s the kind of horse that works as good as his workmate. He has his own mind but he gives me a heart attack in every race, especially down the backstretch.

“The Malibu was an important race for him as it turned into a bit of a sprint. It was a good call by Bob to put him in the right condition to instigate that kind of speed and it was a good step.

“If you watch the Pennsylvania Derby, he was dropping back and then picked up. Mike Smith knows him well and they are a great combination. He makes Mike work – he was more exhausted than Taiba that day!”

Country Grammer among star-studded Saudi Cup entries

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Country Grammer is on course to give Frankie Dettori a landmark winner in the Saudi Cup, in what is the jockey’s final year in the saddle.

The Bob Baffert-trained six-year-old was partnered by the Italian to glory in the Dubai World Cup in March last year, and Dettori was reunited with the son of Tonalist when he kicked off his spell riding in Santa Anita on Boxing Day.

Country Grammer could hardly have looked better in landing short odds in the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes, on a night where Dettori struck three times from five rides.

Baffert – whose Charlatan was upset by Mishriff in the inaugural running of the world’s most valuable race – can also call on the high-class Taiba, a Grade One winner on the same Santa Anita card courtesy of the Malibu Stakes.

Further strength to the American challenge could come in the shape of Kentucky Derby hero Rich Strike, while last year saw a shock success for the locally-owned and trained Emblem Road who may well return to defend his crown.

A second victory would make the son of Quality Road the highest-earning thoroughbred in history with $20.2million to his name, ahead of Australian wondermare Winx who totalled $18.3m by the end of her record-breaking career.

George Boughey’s Missed The Cut is engaged for Britain, as is John and Thady Gosden’s Mostahdaf, the Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance, Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Saffron Beach, William Knight’s Sir Busker and Simon and Ed Crisford’s hugely impressive Dubai winner Algiers.

Dettori dazzles as Santa Anita spell begins with a treble

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Dubai World Cup hero Country Grammer starred in a Boxing Day treble for Frankie Dettori at Santa Anita.

Earlier this month the popular Italian announced 2023 would be his final year as a professional rider, with Santa Anita set to stage his swansong at next year’s Breeders’ Cup.

Dettori also confirmed he would head to California over the festive period and made an immediate impact as he enjoyed an opening day hat-trick.

The 52-year-old’s first success came aboard the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer, who he steered to Dubai World Cup glory at Meydan in March.

Dropping in class for the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes after finishing second in his two previous outings at Grade One level – including a runner-up finish to the brilliant Flightline in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar in September – the five-year-old comfortably got back on the winning trail.

After treating racegoers to his famous flying dismount celebration, Dettori told TVG: “The pressure was on. I’m here for 10 weeks and to ride possibly the best horse in California on the first day, I felt it a bit.

“Once I knew I had the race won at the furlong marker I was able to enjoy the crowd – they were all screaming.”

Of Country Grammer, he added: “He’s a good horse who never knows how to run a bad race. Bob was very confident and actually being drawn six was good for him as at least I could move whenever I wanted.

“He’s a tough horse and you’ve got to put it up to them. You wouldn’t do that with another horse – send him at the three-eighths (marker) – but he’s got the lungs to take it and it just takes the rest out of their comfort zone.

“He won like a good horse and will have his air miles ready to go to the Middle East and race for a lot of money. It was an amazing comeback run.”

Baffert said: “He’s the neatest, coolest horse and really brought us up when we were really down.

“I’m happy for Frankie Dettori. This is his last year and to have him on there and win a race like this – I can’t believe the crowd today, it’s crazy, it’s like a Breeders’ Cup day.”

Dettori went on to enjoy further success aboard Doug O’Neill’s La Deuxieme Etoile and Simon Callaghan’s Ballet Dancing, who carried the Coolmore colours to victory.